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COSHH – What’s it all about?

Understanding COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Why COSHH is Essential for Workplace Safety

The law requires you to control exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace to prevent ill health. This is known as COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

Common Hazardous Substances in the Workplace

Many workplaces use materials or substances that could harm your health. Some examples include:

  • Dusts
  • Fumes
  • Vapours
  • Liquids
  • Gels
  • Powders

If these come into contact with your skin, eyes, or are inhaled, they can cause severe health issues such as allergic reactions, infections, toxicity, and even death. These substances are present in products like paints, cleaning agents, flour, glue, solder fume, and jute.

Potential Health Risks of Hazardous Substances

Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to serious health problems including:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Cancer
  • Skin, eye, and lung damage
  • Long-term damage to vital organs

Health effects can be immediate, such as dizziness or stinging eyes, or can develop over many years, like lung disease.

Steps to Prevent Exposure and Ensure Worker Health

To prevent exposure and protect worker health, follow these steps:

  1. Identify Health Hazards: Use the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical.
  2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Determine how to minimize or prevent health risks.
  3. Implement Control Measures: Reduce harm to health by using proper control methods.
  4. Ensure Proper Use: Make sure safety measures are used correctly.
  5. Maintain Equipment: Ensure all safety equipment is in good working order.
  6. Provide Training: Offer information, instructions, and training to all operators.

Helpful Resources for Further Information

For additional advice and information, check out these resources:

  • The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR)
    • Website: www.oshcr.org
    • OSHCR is a register of consultants offering general advice to UK businesses on managing health and safety risks.
  • British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)
    • Address: 5/6 Melbourne Business Court, Millennium Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8LZ
    • Tel: 01332 298101
    • Website: www.bohs.org
    • BOHS is the professional body for occupational hygienists who understand workplace hazards and control systems.
  • Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL)
    • Address: Business Development Group, Health & Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN
    • Tel: 01298 218000
    • Website: www.hsl.gov.uk
    • HSL provides specialist advice, consultancy, risk assessment, and workplace monitoring.
  • Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
    • Address: The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1NN
    • Tel: 0116 2573100
    • Website: www.iosh.co.uk
    • IOSH is the association for health and safety professionals. Their website has a consultant search function.
  • United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
    • Address: 21-47 High Street, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 4UN
    • Tel: 02089 178400
    • Website: www.ukas.com
    • UKAS provides a search function for accredited testing and inspection service providers.
  • Safety Groups UK (SGUK)
    • Address: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST
    • Tel: 0121 248 2011
    • Website: www.safetygroupsuk.org.uk

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